The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1887-04-01
Bloodshed in Court.

We cannot too strongly commend the follow
ing well temperc 'aud forcible editorial of the
Ners and Courier upon the JOhus,one-Jones
blsody sffrny in o Newberry Trial Justices
Office.
Who was primarily at fault, we, Of course
c,nnot say, but, from the reports published, It
is evident that both men went into the court
room armed, and under excitement, and pre-
pared for bloody work, aud even the citizens Of
the town expected serious difficulty. Both
men, 1t appears, were quite sober, so the excuse
Of drunk will not lay; both are gentlemen of
high standing at the bar aud in the community
in which they live, ani both are gentleman of
more than ordinary intelligence yet both de-
libsrately set at defiance tho laws they are
sworn TO uphold and defend, AMI in q Court Of
Justice openly commit great crime against
the peace and dignity Of the State When
such grave offences arc committed by such
men, under such circumstances, what security
is promised for the lives Of quiet peaceable
citizens, and how strong does it make the ap-
peal for leniency or acquit,al, when such Of
fences are committed by individuals of lower
intelligence aud social standing, under the
plea Of drunkenness, or similar and even less
provocation.
The shooting affray which took place in the
Office Of Trial Justice Blcaso, at Newberry, on
Saturday last, is o reproach to the State. The
principals in the duel were not Cowboys, but
prominent lawyers, men Of fine education and
largo political influence, who, whatever their
real or fancied grievances, should have had
some consideration for the public welfare.
Mr.. Johnstonc is known one of the ablest
young men in the State. lie has several times
6lled the position Of Representative from New
berry County, in the State Legislature, where
he attained distinction. In the last campaign
he was prominent candidate for congress from
the Third District, and at the Bar he has for
q long time enjoyed IN enviatle reputation
Mr.. Jones is young lawyer of excellent
origin and Of much promise. Both are sworn
officers Of the Court, and would doubtless de-
nouuce in others the lawlessness Of which they
themselves were guilty on Saturday. If there
is any law in South Carolina that will reach
them, they should be most severely punished.
What hope Is there for the State when lawyers,
who, Of all men, should be shining exemplars
Of the dignity and supremacy Of the law, con-
vert o crowded Courtroom into shooting gal
lery and try to fill each others bodies with bull
let's ! What future can there be for South
Carolina when human lifo is held SO cheap that
lawyers 60 into Court with pistols in their
hot Words used in the progress of an argu-
mentp What right have we to object to the
criticisms of our political enemies when we
stain the temple of justice itself NTH the
blood of personal foes
From oil the circumstances Of the Newberry
ARRAY which have come to our knowledge, il
appears that both Mr.. Johnstone and Mr.. Jones
went into Court with the intention of having
o row. Each of them carried q pistol in di-
rect violation Of the law in regard 10 concealed
weapons, and the offence is punishable by fine
or Imprisonment. Hot words passed between
them. They drew their weapons. and, in less
than q minute, fred nine shots at each other.
They might have killed any innocent person in
the room. Mr Johustone was wounded in
three places. but not seriously hurt, and Mr..
Jsnes was shot through the body aud will prob
ably die. The trivial case in which they were
engaged has been amicably adj u,ted, and their
honor, it is to be presumed, has been vindicated
by the blood which was shed in Trial Justice
Blease's Court.
But this should not be the end Of the matter.
e.sisiRlz there shaula b sons %ssss Sy shiss
can be met. If this offence is allowed to 20
unpunished, our courthouses should be sealed
up, for there will no longer be any place for
judges aud juries.